The 10 Biggest Summer Horror Blockbusters

Big-budget action movies are usually associated with summer, but over the years, several horror films have proven that the horror genre is in demand during the season. While spooky stories are usually reserved for the colder months, especially around Halloween, escaping the outside heat into a cooled theater may be why horror movies still succeed in the summer. In addition, several films, e.g Freddy vs. Jason and Thiswas a huge hit with the audience, making going to the theaters a perfect group activity.




Big releases and box office responses to such films may not be entirely possible without the release of what is often regarded as the first summer blockbuster. Steven Spielberg's Jaws is known as the initiator of this trendis changing the game with its wide release and innovative approach to the horror genre. Since then, many of the most beloved horror films have become summer hits, and even a few popular horror films have spawned.


10 Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Two Famous Antagonists of Horror Face Off


Introducing the crossover between two of the horror genre's greatest antagonists, Freddy vs. Jason audiences flocked to theaters. Admittedly, Freddy vs. Jason is not as scary as other horror blockbusters and instead chooses to mix humor with familiar elements in each villain's respective franchise. As a result, the film was not loved by all critics, however Fans of each villain's franchise have been eager to see the two characters face off.

Although not completely loved, Freddy vs. JasonThe two killers pitted against each other, still made an impact with the box office numbers. Grossing over $116 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo), Freddy vs. Jason became the highest grossing film in history Friday the 13th franchise and the second highest Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Considering that it's been a few years since there have been new additions to both franchises Freddy vs. Jason's record remains intact.


9 The Amityville Horror (1979)

A Family Moves Into a Haunted House

Margot Kidder The Amityville Horror (1979)

Being one of the most successful independent films, The Amityville Horror is seen as a staple in the horror genre, especially when it comes to those featuring a house as the main character. The Amityville Horror follows the Lutz family as they move into a new house and is based on the real family's paranormal experiences detailed in Jay Anson's book of the same name. Many critics gave the film unfavorable reviews, disapproving of its uninspired use of horror clichés.


still, the real-life story caught the attention of the audience and the film performed surprisingly well during its summer release. according to Forbeswhen adjusted, The Amityville Horror ranks as the eighth highest grossing horror film of all time. Since the late 70s, countless films have been made about Lutz's experiences. Additionally, a remake of the first film was released in 2005 and received similar response from moviegoers and critics alike.

8 Jeepers Creepers (2001)

Horror Mystery Captures End-of-Summer Audiences

Trish and Darry look scared at the Jeepers Creepers

Unfortunately, as with many movie franchises, the sequel Jeepers Reptiles films would never live up to the critical and financial success of the first film. Starring Gina Philips and Justin Long, Jeepers Reptiles It follows two brothers who are being hunted by a mysterious creature known as the Reptile. The mystery and unknown identity of reptiles The first half of the film results in a well-crafted suspense as the audience waits for a revelation.


While the answer to who or what the Creeper is doesn't satisfy everyone, elements of suspense and horror continue throughout the film Jeepers Reptiles was enough to make it a box office success. Early during the theatrical performance, Jeepers Reptiles It grossed nearly $16 million over the Labor Day weekend, breaking the holiday record until the sequel came out a few years later.

7 Poltergeist (1982)

Well executed special effects for a real scare

Carol is in danger in Poltergeist

Nearly a decade after Steven Spielberg's game-changing summer blockbuster Jawsthe director had more blockbuster success with a film he co-wrote, Poltergeist. Directed by Tobe Hooper, Poltergeist It centers on a family targeted by ghosts. Apart from its great critical and commercial success, Poltergeist known for its influence on paranormal films and young audiences.


The main victim of ghost-like attacks Poltergeist the youngest child in the family is Carol Anne. The exciting visuals and special effects, which earned the film one of three Academy Award nominations, rocked young audiences. Anyone who sees a PG-rated movie and can see themselves in Carol Anne. love for Poltergeist has only grown over the years and is now recognized as one of Hooper's best horror films, creative choices repeated in recent paranormal stories, such as children appearing as primary targets and furniture moving on its own.

6 The Conjuring (2013)

Vera Farmiga screaming with a demon under a sheet in an armchair in The Conjuring


Based on the lives of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring''s real-life inspirations and love for the genre resulted in critical and box office success. Despite negative critical reviews calling the film unoriginal, it draws comparisons to other films Poltergeist, The Conjuring became a hit with audiences due to its connection to the famous detective couple and James Wan's immersive direction..

The audience feels the same fear The ConjuringWan's filming techniques, a well-constructed eerie tone and believable performances from the cast help. the success of The Conjuring led to the creation of a vast universe of sequels and related films – the latter Annabelle and Nun movies. But not in all movies The Conjuring franchise was able to make a big impact as the first in the summer.


5 Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Strong Suspense and Memorable Performances resulted in Box Office Success

Rosemary's Baby 1968

One of the many disturbing horror films about cults, Rosemary's baby it did impressive numbers at the box office and received high levels of critical acclaim. part why Rosemary's baby It has had such a strong legacy over the years because of its stellar performances and layered themesfrom paranoia to women's liberation. Rosemary's baby It tells the story of the titular character, played by Mia Farrow, who suspects that her neighbors are part of a satanic cult and wants to harm the child she is expecting.


As Rosemary becomes more and more paranoid throughout the film, so do the audience. Having no help from her husband, Rosemary believes that everything she sees is in her mind, and until the end of her life. Rosemary's babythe audience also doesn't know what to make of Rosemary's theories. Farrow delivers an exceptional performance as the title character Ruth Gordon, who won an Oscar for her role as Rosemary's suspicious neighbor.

4 The Sixth Sense (1999)

A Nightmare Story With an Unexpected Ending Captured the Audience's Attention

Malcolm leans in to talk to Cole at The Sixth Sense

As a filmmaker, M. Night Shyamalan is known for the twist endings in which one of his most famous films takes place. The Sixth Sense. The horror film – which takes its rightful place in the genre with its sense of dread rather than the use of gore or jump scares – follows Bruce Willis' character as a psychologist working with a young man (played by Haley Joel Osment). has the paranormal ability to see dead people.


Being Shyamalan's first venture into the supernatural subgenre, audiences were not sure what to expect when they entered the theaters to see it The Sixth Sense. As a result, The Sixth Sense’s ending was unexpected, shocking and emotional in equal measure, and it was something people had to see for themselves. Interest The Sixth Sense both made the film a box office success—it came in as the second-highest-grossing film of 1999—and established Shyamalan as a prominent director.

3 This (2017)

A Familiar Yet Interesting Tale Was A Tale To Be Seen

Close-up of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise in 2017


Without any adjustment for inflation, The first of Andy Muschietti's two-part film adaptation of Stephen King This became the highest-grossing horror film of all time. There is so much to enjoy ThisIt makes sense as to why audiences see it so quickly in theaters. Muschietti evokes nostalgia with clear inspiration from 80s movies. Goonies, Stand by meand The Thing.

Muschietti has also cited Steven Spielberg as an inspiration, and uses effective techniques from the horror found in his work, grounding the film with a relatable backdrop and allowing the film's fearsome antagonist to shine. Which does in This. In the film, Pennywise is played by Bill Skarsgård, who gives the best horror movie. Skarsgård is distinct and charming as the menacing clown, setting himself apart from previous iterations of Pennywise.

2 Alien (1979)

End-of-Summer Blockbuster Was Very Impressive

The Xenomorph jumps out of the mist to attack in Alien 1979


Like several other horror blockbusters listed, Alien It was not well received by critics on its first release. However, Alien (via The Numbers ) still managed to impress at the box office, grossing nearly $200 million. AlienThe cool premise, thoughtful characters and unique scenery attracted the audience to the theaters.

Since its release, critical re-evaluations have become more and more positive Alien now it seems incredibly effective for numerous sci-fi horror movies. The film's financial success was due to a number of reasons Alien robberiessome are better than others. An important part Alien It's a recurring xenomorph in sci-fi horror movies, but no imitator has managed to create a memorable monster. Alien's xenomorph is heavily shrouded in mystery, adding to the fear factor, and has a surprising design. As the franchise evolved, so did the lore surrounding the monster, including new variations of the xenomorph seen in later films.


1 Jaws (1975)

Often considered the First True Summer Blockbuster

Bruce the Shark

With John Williams' fear-inducing theme and dangerous sharks lurking in the water throughout the film, Jaws became the model of the summer blockbuster. Jaws follows the pursuit of a great white shark after its latest attack on beachgoers. A wide release has been given Jaws it was not a common practice like it is now. Both of them Jaws and Godfather It is credited as two seminal films that helped revolutionize Hollywood's film screening practices.


In addition, Jaws had a great impact on the audience. Methodical approach how the shark antagonist was portrayed in the film scared the audience more and more. Numerous studies have pointed to a decrease in beachgoers and an increase in reported shark encounters following the release of the film. Because Jaws' box office successes, the companies behind films with big but easy-to-follow premises were looking for summer release dates. While many of the films previously fell into the action and adventure genres, the films listed show that this model is effective with horror as well.

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